Sailing by ear

Flotsam and jetsam

Sam Llewellyn writes nautical thrillers and edits The Marine Quarterly. He is currently patching up a 30ft ketch

At sea, ears are more important than one might think. Each phase of navigation has its signature sound, and using them can pay dividends, or not.

There is much charm in the gentle crunch of a bow on a beach, wind offshore, sea like glass, followed by the merry cries of tinies